How the Brain Learns: A Classroom Teacher's Guide [Paperback]

David A. Sousa (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0761977651 | ISBN-13: 978-0761977650 | Publication Date: September 11, 2000 | Edition: 2nd

This powerful bestseller on brain research and education provides practical information that teachers can use in classroom activities and lessons, including basic brain facts that can help students learn, insights on how the brain processes information, and tips on maximizing retention using "down time."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"When it comes to brain research, David Sousa is first among peers. His straightforward explanation of the intricacies of the brain, based on solid research, turns theory into practice and allows educators to immediately operationalize concepts into classroom practice." (Jim Grant, International Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker )

"How the Brain Learns is an excellent text for educators who are looking to take the next step beyond the confines of the traditional model of direct instruction and who wish to ground their professional development in research about the brain. The chapter on 'The Brain and the Arts' in particular is superb." (Geoffrey Caine, Executive Director )

"David Sousa will open your mind to the latest brain research that can be applied to classroom practice. This book belongs in the hands of every teacher for practical applications of cutting-edge findings that help us understand how the brain learns best. Sousa is a pioneer in the field of brain-compatible learning, and his ability to synthesize the research is even better in this latest edition of How the Brain Learns." (Marilee Sprenger, Professional Development Consultant )

"A wonderful and thorough compendium of how our brain learns. Packed with both scientific and practical information." (Eric Jensen, Speaker, Author, Trainer and Consultant ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Dr. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of 15 books that suggest ways that educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the Pre-K to 12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than 100,000 educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Dr. Sousa has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bridgewater State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science, served as a K-12 director of science, a supervisor of instruction, and a district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He has been an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University.

Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France), and served for five years as a Foreign Service Officer and science advisor at the USA diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria).

Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on staff development, science education, and educational research. His most popular books for educators, all published by Corwin Press, include: How the Brain Learns, fourth edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read; How the Brain Influences Behavior; and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, which was selected by the Independent Publishers’ Association as one of the best professional development books of 2008. The Leadership Brain suggests ways for educators to lead today’s schools more effectively. His books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and several other languages.

Dr. Sousa is past president of Learning Forward (formerly NSCD). He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Bridgewater (Massachusetts) State University, and an honorary doctorate from Gratz College in Philadelphia.

Dr. Sousa has been interviewed by Matt Lauer on the NBC Today Show and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Corwin Press; 2nd edition (September 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761977651
• ISBN-13: 978-0761977650
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,007,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of seven books that suggest ways that educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the Pre-K to 12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than 100,000 educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Dr. Sousa has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Massachusetts State College at Bridgewater, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science, served as a K-12 director of science, a supervisor of instruction, and a district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He has been an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University.Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France), and served for five years as a Foreign Service Officer and science advisor at the USA diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria).Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on staff development, science education, and educational research. His seven popular books for educators, all published by Corwin Press, include: How the Brain Learns, third edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read; How the Brain Influences Behavior; and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, which was selected by the Independent Publishers' Association as one of the best professional development books of 2008. The Leadership Brain, suggests ways for educators to lead today's schools more effectively. His books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and several other languages. Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council. He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Massachusetts State College (Bridgewater), and an honorary doctorate from Gratz College in Philadelphia. Dr. Sousa has been interviewed by Matt Lauer on the NBC Today Show and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent application of the brain-based research, May 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How the Brain Learns (with Learning Manual for How the Brain Learns) (Paperback)

Sousa's guide is exactly that. Without cutting corners or making grandiose claims, he takes the neurological research of the last 20 years and shows how classroom teachers can capitalize on it. A must read for educators who are serious about furthering their understanding of pedagogy as it approaches the 21st century.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Educator-friendly, October 24, 2005

By 

ardnam "ardnam" (NJ) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How the Brain Learns: A Classroom Teacher's Guide (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource for educators. It is easily adapted to classroom use no matter what level is being taught. Great insights to hemisphere preference, transfer, critical thinking, teaching strategies. Even the biology and physiology is palatable. This book would lend itself well as a resource for inservicing teachers with its many practioner's corner activities. I recently read Jensen's Teaching With the Brain in Mind and, while I found that book to be a good one, this book if FAR more useful. Every teacher will find easily adapted activities to put to immediate use. Highly recommended.

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic!, November 18, 2001

By 

openbook - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How the Brain Learns: A Classroom Teacher's Guide (Paperback)

A book designed to be used. It offers both theory and practice. There are fifty plus pages of practical suggestions: including "Testing Whether Information Is in Long-Term Storage," and "Using the Primacy-Regency Effect in the Classroom." It also contains a glossary, an eleven page bibliography (with five internet site references), and a three page index. A well balanced 305 page classic.